Speakers

John Stika, Ph.D.

President

• John elevates the brand’s relevance for partners worldwide by strengthening customer relationships, providing cutting-edge solutions and growing momentum from ranch to table.
• “The brand’s mission is to put high-quality product on people’s plates around the world. It’s a great mission, and thus makes for a great place to work when you believe so strongly in why it exists.”

Certified since 1999

Mark Ahearn

2024 Chairman of the Certified Angus Beef Board of Directors

• While working a career in law enforcement, Mark and his wife, Cindy, established Turner Meadow Ranch in East Texas. Through dedication and hard work, they built an exceptional registered Angus herd, emphasizing quality and a commitment to guiding and supporting future generations in the Angus industry.
• “Certified Angus Beef provides consumers with the best beef and pushes Angus producers to continue making improvements. I think of myself as an ambassador for the brand, sharing the passion and dedication behind Certified Angus Beef.”

Raising Angus Cattle Since early-1990’s

Jerome Bettis

Pro Football Hall of Famer and Founder of The Bus Stops Here

• Known as “The Bus,” Jerome has a wealth of experience overcoming obstacles on and off the field. He captivates and inspires audiences with these experiences and his valuable lessons on teamwork, leadership and perseverance.
• “The game of football has taught me faith. It has taught me commitment and it has taught me to have tremendous resolve.”

2002 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year

Randy Blach

CEO, CattleFax

• Randy’s four decades in beef market analysis helps ranchers and feeders sustain their businesses through timely market information, profitable management solutions and research.
• “Our focus at CattleFax is on helping them make data-driven decisions that can have a significant impact on their profitability and keep these folks on the land. This is my passion that drives me every day!”

Featured speaker since 2000

Jerry Connealy

Co-Owner, Connealy Angus

• Jerry and his family manage a reputable Angus seedstock ranch in the sandhills of Nebraska. Their goal is simple: raise Angus bulls that aid in their customers’ success so they can be profitable, sustainable and generational.
• “I never could have envisioned that the cattle business would be where it’s at today. The product we’re producing is so good. Through the genetics and technology that we have available, we’re able to raise cattle that produce high-quality beef and we’re able to give that to the consumer and the consumer wants more of it.”

Ranching since 1981

Brian Walt

Owner, W6 Cattle Company

• In western Colorado, Brian works tirelessly to raise high-quality beef that consumers crave and are willing to pay a premium for. He’s an avid learner, data-driven decision-maker and seeks continuous improvement by networking and using progressive genetics and management practices at his ranch.
• “Cattle producers talk a lot about profitability and the traits that go along with that, such as growth, carcass quality and pounds. But I think one of the most important traits that is easily forgotten is the consumer. When I’m picking bulls, I always keep the consumer in mind.”

Ranching since 1999

Karen Ramirez

Executive Vice President for Hospitality, Turning Stone Enterprises

• Karen leads hospitality operations and has been instrumental in elevating the organization’s award-winning standards for dining, lodging, spas, golf and more, make Turning Stone one of the top destinations in the Northeast.
• “For us, it’s not just about beautiful spaces and luxury amenities. It’s about creating a unified experience across all of our venues and properties that is constantly evolving and defined by best-in-class service.”

Diane Centeno

Vice President for Enterprise Marketing and Sales, Turning Stone Enterprises

• By overseeing all product and property marketing, Diane drives long-term and annual strategies to develop brand loyalty, create positive guest perceptions and attract new and returning guests across the organization.
• “We’re leading the way in hospitality and entertainment for Upstate New York. By amplifying our brand story, we ensure guests understand all we have to offer—and that they return again and again as we grow.”

Charles Newland

Vice President for Food and Beverage, Turning Stone Enterprises

• Charles oversees all food and beverage operations, including the award-winning Wildflowers and TS Steakhouse, and all other restaurants at Turning Stone, dining at regional casinos, team member dining and more.
• “By prioritizing exceptional experiences, unparalleled service and the highest quality ingredients from partners like Certified Angus Beef, we strive to exceed guests’ expectations each time they dine with us.”

Clint Pulver

Author, Musician and Workforce Expert

• As the leading authority on employee retention, Clint helps organizations retain, engage and inspire team members. He challenges audiences to dream, excel, connect and believe—both in themselves and in the power of others.
• “It’s not about being the best in the world…it’s about being the best FOR the world.”
• President and founder of The Center for Retention

Jonathan Perry

Rancher & Restaurateur

• Jonathan Perry is an Angus cattle farmer, restaurateur and American Angus Association board member. Whether he is on the farm or in the kitchen, he immerses himself in a mission to serve great beef.
• “Certified Angus Beef is the very best, and it’s rewarding to know we get to serve that to our diners and impact it every day with the decisions we make on this farm. It’s fulfilling to see our pursuit of excellence follows through all the way to the plate.”
• Manager at Deer Valley Farm for 27 years

Anne-Marie Roerink

Principal, 210 Analytics

• Through many category performance and consumer research studies, including the Power of Meat, Anne-Marie helps food retailers, organizations and suppliers satisfy the ever-changing wants and needs of meat consumers in a one-size-fits-no-one world.
• “I’m passionate about the why behind the what. Food connects us all, but our drivers, tastes and shopping habits differ widely, and better understanding consumer perceptions and realities in meat has been a fascinating journey.”

Food retail researcher since 1999

Carsten Loseke

Production Agriculture Colvin Scholarship Winner

• A student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Carsten is pursuing his master’s degree in animal science with a focus on ruminant nutrition. He plans to return to his family’s feedyard in Eastern Nebraska.
• “Growing up on a feedyard and farming operation, I’ve had the opportunity to experience cattle production firsthand all my life. The Certified Angus Beef ^® brand has always been important for our operation as we are able to benefit from feeding Angus cattle and the premiums for the final beef product.”
• $7,500 Scholarship Winner

Megan Eckhardt

2nd-Place Graduate Colvin Scholarship Winner

• Upon receiving her Ph.D. in meat science from West Texas A&M University, Megan plans to pursue a career to educate the beef community and beef consumers about beef production, harvest, processing, quality and consumption, thus building the future of the beef industry.
• “I strive to be a leader within the industry and would love to contribute to the future of our industry via academia by preparing knowledgeable, committed leaders.”
• $6,000 Colvin Scholarship Winner

Ryan Heitschmidt

Undergraduate Colvin Scholarship Winner

• An incredibly involved student at West Texas A&M University, Ryan is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in animal science and will continue his education to earn a master’s in meat science. His goal is to work for a beef packing company.
• “The experiences I’ve had as a student, coupled with my fed beef background, has resulted in a well-rounded, thorough and fulfilling knowledge and passion of the industry, and I plan to continue that passion through a career in beef production and meat science.”
• $7,500 Scholarship Winner

Melissa Brewer

Vice President, Communications

• Melissa helps partners bring their stories forward while leading the brand’s communications and public relations initiatives to online conversations and making every word count in marketing materials.
• “This brand is so much more than great product. It’s great people—and story upon story of the grit and passion it takes to be successful. It’s an honor to work for, and with, a community so rich in respect for each other and with so many great stories to be told.”

 Certified since 2008

Steve Ringle

Executive Vice President, Business Development

• Steve leads strategic planning, customer development and the pursuit of new foodservice, retail, manufacturing and international business, with a focus on increasing customer success and optimizing product availability.
• “I love that I work for a brand that brings people together and helps them to be successful. It is rewarding to know that working with our licensee base to build demand positively affects the lives of family farmers and ranchers raising quality Angus cattle.”

Certified since 2001

Bryan Schaaf

Chef Liaison & Communications Manager

• Bryan spends most of his days making connections with the nation’s most talented chefs, supporting their efforts to menu the best cuts and eating whatever beef dish is being served next.
• “I’m thankful for the opportunities to enjoy tasty experiences even a chef could envy. From cooking at The James Beard House in NYC to trimming briskets with iconic pitmasters, the excitement never ends.”

Certified since 2010

Kirsten Nickles, Ph.D.

Sustainability & Animal Care Scientist

• Kirsten leads sustainability and cattle care initiatives and serves as a technical expert to positively influence the future of beef production while also communicating successes in these areas with consumers.
• “Decisions we make today affect the many family farms and ranches, including my family’s, making up the beef industry. I love getting to play a part in those decisions, all while sharing our producers’ success stories with consumers.”

Certified since 2022

Deanna Walenciak

Vice President, Domestic Brand Marketing

• Deanna leads the areas of customer marketing solutions, brand experience and the Culinary Center with a passion to engage and elevate partners and help them maximize the power of the brand.
• “It is energizing to see the momentum build and innovation explode with our partners at the Culinary Center and events around a shared passion to market the best Angus beef.”

Certified since 1996

Sara Scott

Vice President, Foodservice

• Sara oversees everything from chain development to cultivating key strategies for growth and delivering educational solutions to advance partners’ presence in the marketplace.
• “I love being able to connect people from gate to plate, to serve as the bridge between our cattlemen and our end-users.”

Certified since 2007

Kelly Murray

Director, Foodservice Marketing

• Kelly inspires foodservice distributors and restaurateurs to confidently and successfully offer the best-tasting beef through training, marketing and profitable menu solutions.
• “Our partners, particularly restaurant operators, are some of the most resilient people. Even when they have a tough year, we continue to hear of their fortitude. I’m confident they will forge ahead stronger than ever because that is just who they are: leaders who don’t quit.”

Certified since 2013

Carson Rogers

Assistant Director, Product Services

• Carson works with packers, processors, distributors and retailers to uphold the highest levels of quality and consistency while always looking for ways to help them improve.
• “I enjoy being on the forefront of bringing the beef community together for a unified voice of quality and consistency while helping our partners achieve personal success.”

Certified since 2017

Clint Walenciak

Vice President, Product Services

• Clint leads communications with the USDA to uphold the brand’s quality certification and provides partners with product availability forecasts and market trends to guide their business decisions.
• “The best parts of working for the brand are the quality it represents and the opportunity to work with the dedicated people across our community.”

Certified since 2000

Ken Eifrid

Director, Business Development

• Ken thrives on sourcing successful solutions for foodservice and retail partners seeking value-added products and beyond. He also enjoys serving as a conduit for independent meat companies to bring their value to foodservice end users.
• “You have to be motivated to sell, and the Certified Angus Beef ^® brand provides that genuine excitement. It makes authentic sales people, and that’s why it was an easy decision for me to work here.”

Certified since 2019

Bruce Cobb

Executive Vice President, Production

• Bruce leads strategies and conversations for family farmers to raise quality Angus cattle sustainably, securing their heritage for future generations and long-term supply for the brand and its partners.
• “This brand is the pinnacle of value creation and collaboration in the beef industry. Each segment in the supply chain plays a part in solidifying the brand’s leadership position and fulfilling consumer expectations. There are winners up and down the supply chain!”

Certified since 2020

Tracey Erickson

Senior Executive Vice President, Marketing

• Tracey choreographs marketing solutions that elevate businesses worldwide and position the brand as the best in category through its unique heritage on family farms and farm-to-table quality focus.
• “The brand represents the best in the industry, which all comes back to people. The collective focus and effort of brand partners to offer end-users the very best is inspiring.”

Certified since 1992

Tony Biggs

Director, Culinary Arts

• Chef Tony sets culinary vision for the brand and The Culinary Center and elevates the brand’s presence on the plate and relevance to chefs and restaurateurs worldwide through innovation and media appearances.
• “Working for the brand allows me to be as creative as I want to be. The meals my team and I prepare are the result of the brand trusting us to serve the best-in-class experiences for our guests.”

Certified since 2014

Michael Ollier

Assistant Director, Consumer Culinary Initiatives

• Chef Michael shares beef recipes on radio, television and social media, leads cooking demonstrations at special events, guides food photography styling and connects with food bloggers and barbecue aficionados.
• “Our goal in the Test Kitchen is to help home cooks overcome challenges and it all begins with the consistency of the Certified Angus Beef ^® brand. Starting with high-quality beef helps the audience serve delicious meals and become dinnertime heroes to their families.”

Certified since 2009

Ashley Breneman

Brand Chef, Consumer Engagement

• Chef Ashley helps make sure home cooks enjoy a great meal. She works with the communications team to share cooking tips and tricks and recipes on social media, including the brand’s YouTube channel.
• “Being a part of the brand family has allowed me the honor of connecting with people from all over the world. I love the fact that the logo I wear is represented and respected across the globe.”

Certified since 2013

Gavin Pinto

Brand Chef, Consumer Innovation

• Chef Gavin creates new recipes for consumers to prepare delicious meals at home and plays active roles in food photography styling, YouTube cooking videos and media appearances.
• “When home cooks start with the Certified Angus Beef ^® brand and pair it with the free resources we create specifically for their success in the kitchen, they enjoy delicious meals they’re proud of.”

Certified since 2017

Amanda Barstow

Senior Director, Brand Engagement

• Amanda leads creative, proactive strategies to welcome new partners and set them up for success through branding and trademark use on menus, in stores, on materials, in media and beyond.
• “I love the authenticity of the brand—from its science-based specifications and grassroots beginnings to its global reach today. There’s an energy in our community that promotes positivity and continuous improvement.”

Certified since 1995

David O’Diam

Vice President, Retail

• David leads strategies and services to drive traffic and build consumer loyalty for retail partners, and supports them with innovative, results-driven beef merchandising, marketing and training.
• “I love knowing this brand matters for our customers and rancher owners. When I see our beef in the meat case, I know that’s helping a meat manager make his budget and simultaneously helping a family make it another season. It feels good!”

Certified since 2009

Christy Johnson

Senior Director, Branding

• Christy strategizes with design, media and advertising professionals to create pieces that resonate with shoppers, including the brand’s consumer loyalty program, Steakholder Rewards™.
• “The quality of our partners, our product and our people allows us to keep reinventing how we go to market globally with this brand every day. And the best part: it all supports farmers and ranchers—a livelihood I’m personally very passionate about preserving for future generations.

Certified since 1997

Beverly Linhoss

Assistant Director, Account Marketing

• Beverly helps foodservice and retail partners reach their marketing goals by connecting them to the right tools and resources for their businesses.
• “I love every aspect of my job, but working with independent retailers and hearing their stories has a special place on my to-do list.”

Certified since 2021

Lindsay Graber Runft

Director, Producer Communications

• Lindsay oversees communication strategy and leads producer-facing messaging to inform farmers, ranchers and feeders while strengthening their relationship with Certified Angus Beef.
• “With a vested interest in the cattle industry, serving farmers, ranchers and feeders in their quest to produce high-quality beef is exceptionally gratifying.”

Certified since 2022

Dave Mullins

Colvin Scholarship Auction Auctioneer

• Dave is a livestock auctioneer and marketing professional who assists farmers and ranchers nationwide with their marketing and branding needs.
• “Once I realized the relationship between time and money, it changed everything. Time is the most valuable resource we have in life. No matter how many hours I work and no matter how much money I make, I will never be able to go back and buy a single minute of my time.”
• Raising livestock since 14 years old and livestock marketing for 23 years

Joel Ferry

Co-Owner, JY Ferry & Son, Inc.

• Joel is a fifth generation farmer who operates a ranch, farm, feedyard and hunting property in northern Utah. He also serves as the executive director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources. Since 2022, he has led the agency of 2,500 employees to manage and protect Utah’s natural resources and guide the state through extreme drought.
• “Sustainability goes hand in hand with the economic viability of our business. For over 100 years, JY Ferry & Son has focused on agricultural practices that conserve water, energy and other natural resources. By promoting sustainable cattle production, we protect our natural resources and ecosystems for future generations.”
• Family ranch established in 1900